Hurricanes 12 Chiefs 17
Wellington
No matter what the code top defence wins titles.
Super Rugby champions the Chiefs proved they are on track to retain their title by returning to the top of the points table albeit temporarily with a superb defensive effort during a 17-12 win against the Hurricanes in Wellington last night.
The fact the Chiefs had 14 players for the final 10 minutes after former Magpies prop Ben Tameifuna was sinbinned added to the significance of the victory.
Chiefs captain and lock Craig Clarke pointed out it was the first away win at the Cake Tin for many of his side including himself.
Hurricanes first five-eighth Beauden Barrett opened the scoring with a third minute penalty. Fellow All Black and Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden replied with one two minutes later.
Cruden gave the Chiefs a 6-3 lead in the ninth minute when South African referee Lorens van der Merwe pinged the Hurricanes for hands in the ruck handy to the posts.
Barrett produced an equaliser with a 15th minute penalty from 24m out. Cruden was on target again in the 19th minute after Hurricanes blindside flanker Faifili Levave, in his 50th outing for the hosts, was penalised for hands in the ruck.
Desperate defence from Barrett and lock Jason Eaton prevented a try to Chiefs No8 Matt Vant Leven in the 26th minute after Vant Leven charged down a clearing kick from Barrett. It was Barrett's turn for an equaliser in the 31st minute after Chiefs blindside flanker Liam Messam was pinged for a punch on Canes halfback T J Perenara.
Cruden gave the Chiefs a 12-9 halftime lead with his fourth consecutive penalty in the 34th minute when the Canes were penalised for joining a ruck incorrectly. His first miss came seconds after the halftime hooter with a 58m attempt.
This lead didn't reflect the possession and territorial advantage the hosts had during the first half.
The Hurricanes dominated possession and territory for the first 12 minutes of the second half but couldn't capitalise. When the Chiefs ventured into the Canes half for the first time in the 54th minute openside flanker Tanerau Latimer scored the first try of the game and the visitors led 17-9 when Cruden's conversion attempt was flagged away.
Barrett kept the Canes in the hunt with a 69th minute penalty after Tameifuna was sinbinned for a professional foul. Three crucial errors during the final six minutes dashed the Canes faint hopes of victory.
Openside flanker Jack Lam was penalised at lineout time in the 74th minute when the Canes secured possession in their attacking 22. Winger Julian Savea, who was under utilised all night was shoved over the touch line when on attack in the 77th minute and fellow winger Alapati Leiua knocked the ball on in the 79th minute when the Canes were in possession.
Two of those errors were forced by the Chiefs outstanding defensive pressure. Former Magpies lock Brodie Retallick made 15 tackles and always busted the advantage line on the charge.
Chiefs 17 (Tanerau Latimer try Aaron Cruden 4 pens) Hurricanes 12 (Beauden Barrett 4 pens).